Signage Technician Apprenticeship
Signs Express Harlow
HARLOW (CM20 2DP)
Closes in 27 days (Tuesday 6 January 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 1 December 2025
Contents
Summary
We are looking for an enthusiastic and hardworking Apprentice Sign Maker to join our friendly team at Signs Express (Harlow) as we continue to grow. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is eager to learn, enjoys hands-on work, and is interested in building a career in the signage industry.
- Wage
-
£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
- The apprentice will be paid at the government-specified apprenticeship hourly rate.
- Wage increases may be considered as the apprentice develops their skills and progresses through the programme.
- Training course
- Signage technician (level 3)
- Hours
-
Details of the Working Week
Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm
No evening or weekend work required
Full-time role based at Signs Express (Harlow), with occasional travel for onsite installations under supervision
40 hours a week
- Start date
-
Saturday 10 January 2026
- Duration
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1 year 6 months
- Positions available
-
1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
- Typical Daily Tasks of an Apprentice Sign Maker
Assist with preparing materials such as vinyl, acrylic, Foamex, and aluminium panels - Help operate sign-making equipment (vinyl plotters, printers, laminators) under supervision
Learn to weed, mask, and apply vinyl graphics to signs, vehicles, and windows - Support with basic fabrication tasks, such as cutting, drilling, or assembling sign components
- Help set up and maintain work areas, keeping the workshop tidy and organised
- Assist in the packaging and wrapping of completed signs ready for delivery or installation
- Practice measuring and marking out materials accurately
- Accompany experienced installers on site visits to learn how signs are fitted
- Learn to use basic hand tools and power tools safely
- Assist with loading/unloading vehicles for installations
- Follow health and safety procedures, including wearing appropriate PPE
- Help check job sheets and prepare materials for upcoming projects
- Support with cleaning and maintaining equipment (e.g., printers, laminators)
- Observe and learn how to interpret design drawings and job briefs
- Provide friendly assistance to colleagues and occasionally greet customers or visitors
Where you'll work
1 MAPLE RIVER INDUSTRIAL ESTATE
RIVER WAY
HARLOW
CM20 2DP
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
WALSALL COLLEGE
Training course
Signage technician (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Interpret information, for example customer briefs, specifications and work instructions.
- Conduct site survey.
- Calculate costs and prepare quotations.
- Plan and schedule work.
- Prepare for signage work.
- Use graphic design software to design signage.
- Create pre-fabrication files/instructions.
- Select and use materials and components.
- Assemble signs.
- Trim, clean and add fixing features to signage such as eyelets, hinges and brackets, as required.
- Protect materials and signs to prevent damage during manufacture, transportation and storage.
- Apply, install or erect signs.
- Check signage materials and products against quality requirements.
- Identify and document risks and hazards in the workplace; advise on and apply control measures.
- Comply with health and safety regulations and requirements.
- Comply with organisational and statutory environmental and sustainability considerations: safe disposal of waste, recycling of materials and efficient use of resources.
- Select, set up, complete pre-checks and operate sign-making machinery, tools and equipment.
- Maintain work area, tools and equipment for example, charge batteries and sharpen blades.
- Use access equipment in the installation process, for example ladders, fixed and mobile platforms.
- Communicate with colleagues and/or stakeholders – verbal, written or electronic; use industry terminology.
- Complete documentation for example job sheets, maintenance records.
- Rectify or report issues.
- Interpret information, for example customer briefs, specifications and work instructions.
- Conduct site survey.
- Calculate costs and prepare quotations.
- Plan and schedule work.
- Prepare for signage work.
- Use graphic design software to design signage.
- Create pre-fabrication files/instructions.
- Select and use materials and components.
- Assemble signs.
- Trim, clean and add fixing features to signage such as eyelets, hinges and brackets, as required.
- Protect materials and signs to prevent damage during manufacture, transportation and storage.
- Apply, install or erect signs.
- Check signage materials and products against quality requirements.
- Identify and document risks and hazards in the workplace; advise on and apply control measures.
- Comply with health and safety regulations and requirements.
- Comply with organisational and statutory environmental and sustainability considerations: safe disposal of waste, recycling of materials and efficient use of resources.
- Select, set up, complete pre-checks and operate sign-making machinery, tools and equipment.
- Maintain work area, tools and equipment for example, charge batteries and sharpen blades.
- Use access equipment in the installation process, for example ladders, fixed and mobile platforms.
- Communicate with colleagues and/or stakeholders – verbal, written or electronic; use industry terminology.
- Complete documentation for example job sheets, maintenance records.
- Rectify or report issues.
Training schedule
Training will take place through Walsall College’s virtual classroom, delivered online.
The apprentice will attend online training every Friday, consisting of:
- 3.5 hours of live virtual classroom learning
- 3 hours of assisted self-study
- If maths or English support is required, the apprentice will attend an additional study day each week (delivered by Walsall College)
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4)
- Maths (grade 4)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Presentation skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Creative
- Initiative
- Patience
- Physical fitness
Other requirements
Other Requirements for This Apprenticeship
Must be comfortable working at height when assisting with sign installations
Must be able to lift and handle materials and equipment, sometimes of moderate weight
Must be willing to work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
Must follow all health and safety procedures, including wearing PPE
May need to travel to customer sites with the installation team
A full UK driving licence is desirable (but not essential for the apprenticeship)
Must be reliable, punctual, and able to maintain good attendance
Must be prepared to work in a busy, hands-on workshop environment
About this employer
Signs Express (Harlow) is part of the UK’s largest signs and graphics franchise network, providing high-quality signage solutions to businesses across the region. We design, manufacture and install a wide range of signage, including internal and external signs, vehicle graphics, window graphics, exhibition displays and bespoke fabricated signs.
Our team is dedicated to delivering excellent craftsmanship, reliable service and creative visual solutions that help businesses stand out. As a busy production centre, we combine hands-on practical work with modern technology, offering a supportive and friendly environment where staff can develop strong technical skills.
As part of a national network, Signs Express (Harlow) offers opportunities for progression, professional development, and long-term careers within the signage and graphics industry.
After this apprenticeship
- After successfully completing the apprenticeship, the apprentice may progress into a full-time Signage Technician or Sign Maker role within the company
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
WALSALL COLLEGE
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000003080.
Apply now
Closes in 27 days (Tuesday 6 January 2026 at 11:59pm)
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